Children&#39;s sunglasses

ABSTRACT

Sunglasses includes a frame portion having opposing inner and outer faces, opposed first and second sides, a nose bridge formed between the opposed first and second sides, and a lens opening between the nose bridge and each of the first and second sides. A lens-defining member, made of a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, has an outer face applied to the inner face of the frame portion and an opposing inner face, and a side in juxtaposition to each of the first and second sides of the frame portion. Fasteners affix the lens-defining member to the frame portion, and first and second temples extend rearwardly of the frame portion at the first and second sides of the frame portion, respectively.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/058,239,filed on Mar. 28, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,841, which iscontinuation-in-part of application 11/967,364, filed on Dec. 31, 2007,now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.11/591,751, filed on Nov. 2, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,278, which isa continuation of application Ser. No. 10/997,113, filed on Nov. 24,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,729.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sunglasses and, more particularly, tochildren's sunglasses, such as for infants and small children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun. The same harmful raysthat damage skin can also increase the risk of developing eye problems.Some of the long-term effects of UV radiation happen slowly andpainlessly. Research has found that UV and other sun rays are involvedin many of the serious eye disorders people experience today.

In the short-term, people who spend long hours on the beach or in thesnow without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, sunburnof the cornea, which can cause temporary loss of vision. The sunlight'sreflection off of snow, sand or water, further increases a person'sexposure to solar radiation.

Most people are unfamiliar with the sensitive nature of their eyes.According to optometrists and ophthalmologists, there are three surfaceswithin the eye that can be adversely affected by sunlight—the cornea andconjunctiva (snowblindness and pterygium), the lens (cataracts), and theretina (eclipse blindness and macular degeneration). These surfacesperform different functions that work together as the backbone of theeye structure. In addition, the eyelids are at risk of developing skincancer from UV exposure.

To protect eyes from both short and long-term damage, people should wearsunglasses that block the sun's harmful rays. Pricey sunglasses orglasses with a dark tint don't always offer more protection. Peopleshould look for labels that specifically say the glasses offer 99percent to 100 percent UV protection. Some eye-care professionals canalso test the UV protection level of sunglasses for a customer.

Tint of the sunglass lens does play a role in the amount of protection.Amber or brown lenses, for example, may distort colors. However, theywill attenuate most or all of the shortest wavelengths in the visiblespectrum, which may contribute to macular degeneration in the retina.

The style or frame coverage of the sunglass also affects the amount ofscattered or reflected harmful radiation, which can reach the eyewithout transmitting through the lens. Wrap-around sunglasses, which fitclose to the face offer more solar protection than small frames.

People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should stillwear sunglasses for total eye protection.

Children should also wear sunglasses that indicate a high UV-protectionlevel, and not toy glasses without a label. Polycarbonate lenses aregenerally recommended for children because they are the mostshatter-resistant.

The prior art has provided numerous specific configurations ofchildren's sunglasses. None, however, have proven to be entirelysatisfactory. Some prior art children's sunglasses are difficult toconstruct, expensive, and so uncomfortable to wear that children refuseto wear them. Moreover, some children's sunglasses are not suitable forvery small children or infants, as the frames and other parts arerelatively rigid and subject to breaking, which products have relativelysharp edges that can injure an infant or small child, or small partswhich may break free causing injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide sunglasses that arespecifically-adapted to be worn by infants and children which are low incost, which are safe, which are disposable, which are comfortable, andthat are easy to assemble and convenient to use.

According to the invention, provided are sunglasses for infants andchildren including an elongate integral member that consists of acentral portion having opposing outer and inner faces, a central nosebridge, a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge, and atemple extending from each side of the central portion, in which each ofthe temples has an outer face that is congruent with the outer face ofthe central portion and an inner face that is congruent with the innerface of the central portion. A lens-defining member, made of a flexible,thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, has an outer faceaffixed to the inner face of the central portion and an opposing innerface. The lens-defining member is substantially coextensive relative tothe central portion and has a side in juxtaposition to each of the sidesof the central portion. An elongate integral backing has an outer faceaffixed to the inner face of the lens-defining member and an opposinginner face, in which the backing is substantially coextensive relativeto, and a substantial mirror image of, the central portion including acentral nose bridge opposing the central nose bridge of the centralportion, a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge opposingthe lens opening on each side of the central portion, and a side injuxtaposition to each of the sides of the central portion. A nose bridgepad is affixed to the inner face of the backing at the nose bridgethereof. The temples each have a free end, and an engagement assembly isprovided for releasably retaining the free end of one of the temples tothe free end of the other of the temples. In a preferred embodiment, theengagement assembly includes a hook and loop fastener having an elementthereof carried at the free end of one of the temples and a complementalelement thereof carried at the free end of the other of the temples.Preferably, the elongate integral member is made of a foam material, thebacking is made of a foam material, and the nose bridge pad is made of afoam material. In a particular embodiment, the nose bridge pad isadhesively affixed to the inner face of the backing. In anotherembodiment, the nose bridge pad is integrally affixed to the inner faceof the backing.

According to the invention, there is provided a method of fabricatingsunglasses includes 1) providing an elongate integral member, theelongate integral member including a central portion having opposingouter and inner faces, a central nose bridge, and a lens opening on eachside of the central nose bridge; 2) providing a lens-defining member,made of a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material,having opposing outer and inner faces, opposing sides, and that issubstantially coextensive relative to the central portion; 3) providingan elongate integral backing that is substantially coextensive relativeto, and a substantial mirror image of, the central portion, the backinghaving opposing outer and inner faces, opposing sides, a central nosebridge, and a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge; and4) affixing the outer face of the lens-defining member to the inner faceof the central portion, and affixing the outer face of the backing tothe inner face of the lens-defining member, wherein the sides of thelens-defining member juxtaposed relative to the sides of the backing,respectively. The instant method further includes affixing a nose bridgepad to the inner face of the backing at the nose bridge thereof. Thetemples each have a free end, and the method further includes providingan engagement assembly for releasably retaining the free end of one ofthe temples to the free end of the other of the temples. In a preferredembodiment, the engagement assembly includes a hook and loop fastenerhaving an element thereof carried at the free end of one of the templesand a complemental element thereof carried at the free end of the otherof the temples. Preferably, the elongate integral member is made of afoam material, the backing is made of a foam material, and the nosebridge pad is made of a foam material. In a particular embodiment, thestep of affixing the nose bridge pad further includes adhesivelyaffixing the nose bridge pad. In another embodiment, the step ofaffixing the nose bridge pad further includes integrally affixing thenose bridge pad.

According to the invention, provided are sunglasses for infants andchildren including an elongate integral member that consists of acentral portion having opposing outer and inner faces, a central nosebridge, a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge, and atemple extending rearwardly of the inner face from a bend in theelongate integral member on each side of the central portion. Each ofthe temples has an outer face that is congruent with the outer face ofthe central portion, and an inner face that is congruent with the innerface of the central portion. A lens-defining member is made of aflexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, which hasan outer face affixed to the inner face of the central portion and anopposing inner face, wherein the lens-defining member is substantiallycoextensive relative to the central portion, and a side in juxtapositionto each of the bends of the central portion. An elongate integralbacking has an outer face affixed to the inner face of the lens-definingmember, and an opposing inner face. The backing is substantiallycoextensive relative to, and a substantial mirror image of, the centralportion, and includes a central nose bridge opposing the central nosebridge of the central portion, a lens opening on each side of thecentral nose bridge opposing the lens opening on each side of thecentral portion, and a side in juxtaposition to each of the bends of thecentral portion. A nose bridge pad is affixed to the inner face of thebacking at the nose bridge thereof. A temple pad is affixed to the innerface of the backing at each side thereof and to the inner face of eachof the temples maintaining the bends in the elongate integral member.The temples each have a free end, and an engagement assembly is providedfor releasably retaining the free end of one of the temples to the freeend of the other of the temples. Preferably, the engagement assemblyincludes a hook and loop fastener having an element thereof carried atthe free end of one of the temples and a complemental element thereofcarried at the free end of the other of the temples. Preferably, theelongate integral member is made of a foam material, the backing is madeof a foam material, and the nose bridge pad and the temple pads are eachmade of a foam material. In one embodiment, the nose bridge pad isadhesively affixed to the inner face of the backing. In anotherembodiment, the nose bridge pad is integrally affixed to the inner faceof the backing. In one embodiment, the temple pads are adhesivelyaffixed to the inner face of the backing. In one embodiment, the templepads are adhesively affixed to the inner faces of the temples,respectively. In another embodiment, the temple pads are integrallyaffixed to the inner face of the backing.

According to the invention, there is provided a method of fabricatingsunglasses suitable for infants and children including steps of 1)providing an elongate integral member, the elongate integral memberincluding a central portion having opposing outer and inner faces, acentral nose bridge, and a lens opening on each side of the central nosebridge; 2) providing a lens-defining member, made of a flexible, thin,sun-protective, light-transmitting material, having opposing outer andinner faces, opposing sides, and that is substantially coextensiverelative to the central portion; 3) providing an elongate integralbacking that is substantially coextensive relative to, and a substantialmirror image of, the central portion, the backing having opposing outerand inner faces, opposing sides, a central nose bridge, and a lensopening on each side of the central nose bridge; 4) affixing the outerface of the lens-defining member to the inner face of the centralportion, and affixing the outer face of the backing to the inner face ofthe lens-defining member, wherein the sides of the lens-defining memberjuxtaposed relative to the sides of the backing, respectively; 5)bending the elongate integral member rearwardly of the inner facethereof at the juxtaposed sides of the lens-defining member and thebacking forming bends and temples in the elongate integral member; 6)the temples each having an outer face that is congruent to the outerface of the central portion and an inner face that is congruent with theinner face of the central portion; 7) affixing a nose bridge pad to theinner face of the backing at the nose bridge thereof; and 8) affixing atemple pad to the inner face of the backing at each side thereof and tothe inner face of each of the temples maintaining the bends in theelongate integral member. The temples each have a free end, and themethod further includes providing an engagement assembly for releasablyretaining the free end of one of the temples to the free end of theother of the temples. Preferably, the engagement assembly includes ahook and loop fastener having an element thereof carried at the free endof one of the temples and a complemental element thereof carried at thefree end of the other of the temples. Preferably, the elongate integralmember is made of a foam material, the backing is made of a foammaterial, and the nose bridge pad and the temple pads are each made of afoam material. In one embodiment, the step of affixing the nose bridgepad further includes adhesively affixing the nose bridge pad. In anotherembodiment, the step of affixing the nose bridge pad further includesintegrally affixing the nose bridge pad. In one embodiment, the step ofaffixing a temple pad to the inner face of the backing at each sidethereof further includes adhesively affixing a temple pad to the innerface of the backing at each side thereof. In one embodiment, the step ofaffixing a temple pad to the inner face of each of the temples furtherincludes adhesively affixing a temple pad to the inner face of each ofthe temples. In another embodiment, the step of affixing a temple pad tothe inner face of the backing at each side thereof further includesintegrally affixing a temple pad to the inner face of the backing ateach side thereof.

According to the invention, there is provided sunglasses for infants andchildren including an elongate integral member that consists of acentral portion having opposing outer and inner faces, a central nosebridge, a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge, and atemple extending rearwardly of the inner face from a bend in theelongate integral member on each side of the central portion, in whicheach of the temples having an outer face that is congruent with theouter face of the central portion and an inner face that is congruentwith the inner face of the central portion. A lens-defining member, madeof a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, has anouter face affixed to the inner face of the central portion and anopposing inner face. The lens-defining member is substantiallycoextensive relative to the central portion and has a side injuxtaposition to each of the bends of the central portion. An elongateintegral backing is affixed to the inner face of the lens-definingmember including a central nose bridge opposing the central nose bridgeof the central portion, a lens opening on each side of the central nosebridge opposing the lens opening on each side of the central portion, aside in juxtaposition to each of the bends of the central portion, anose bridge pad at the nose bridge of the backing, and a temple pad ateach side of the backing and affixed to the inner face of each of thetemples maintaining the bends in the elongate integral member. Thetemples each have a free end, and an engagement assembly is provided forreleasably retaining the free end of one of the temples to the free endof the other of the temples. Preferably, the engagement assemblyincludes a hook and loop fastener having an element thereof carried atthe free end of one of the temples and a complemental element thereofcarried at the free end of the other of the temples. Preferably, theelongate integral member is made of a foam material, and the backing ismade of a foam material.

According to the invention, there is provided a method of fabricatingsunglasses suitable for infants and children including steps of 1)providing an elongate integral member, the elongate integral memberincluding a central portion having opposing outer and inner faces, acentral nose bridge, and a lens opening on each side of the central nosebridge; 2) providing a lens-defining member, made of a flexible, thin,sun-protective, light-transmitting material, having opposing outer andinner faces, opposing sides, and that is substantially coextensiverelative to the central portion; 3) providing an elongate integralbacking that is substantially coextensive relative to the centralportion, the backing having a central nose bridge, a lens opening oneach side of the central nose bridge, opposing sides, a nose bridge padat the nose bridge of the backing, and a temple pad at each side of thebacking; 4) affixing the outer face of the lens-defining member to theinner face of the central portion, and affixing the backing to the innerface of the lens-defining member, wherein the sides of the lens-definingmember juxtaposed relative to the sides of the backing, respectively; 5)bending the elongate integral member rearwardly of the inner facethereof at the juxtaposed sides of the lens-defining member and thebacking forming bends and temples in the elongate integral member; 6)the temples each having an outer face that is congruent to the outerface of the central portion and an inner face that is congruent with theinner face of the central portion; and 7) affixing the temple pads tothe inner faces of the temples, respectively, maintaining the bends inthe elongate integral member. The temples each have a free end, and themethod further includes providing an engagement assembly for releasablyretaining the free end of one of the temples to the free end of theother of the temples. Preferably, the engagement assembly includes ahook and loop fastener having an element thereof carried at the free endof one of the temples and a complemental element thereof carried at thefree end of the other of the temples. Preferably, the elongate integralmember is made of a foam material, and the backing is made of a foammaterial. In one embodiment, the step of affixing the temple pads to theinner faces of the temples, respectively, further includes adhesivelyaffixing the temple pads to the inner faces of the temples,respectively.

Sunglasses constructed and arranged in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention includes a frame portion having opposinginner and outer faces, opposed first and second sides, a nose bridgeformed between the opposed first and second sides, and a lens openingformed on either side of the nose bridge. A lens-defining member, madeof a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, has anouter face applied to the inner face of the frame portion and anopposing inner face, and a side in juxtaposition to each of the firstand second sides of the frame portion. Fasteners, each of which ispreferably a rivet, affix the lens-defining member to the frame portion,and first and second temples extend rearwardly of the frame portion atthe first and second sides of the frame portion, respectively. The firsttemple extends rearwardly of the frame portion from a first bend formedbetween the frame portion and the first temple at the first side of theframe portion, and a second temple extends rearwardly of the frameportion from a second bend formed between the frame portion and thesecond temple at the second side of the frame portion. The frame portionis coupled to the first and second temples to maintain the first andsecond bends between the frame portion and the first and second temples,respectively. In a particular embodiment, a crimp formed between theframe portion and the first and second temples at the first and secondbends maintains the first and second bends between the frame portion andthe first and second temples, respectively. An elongate band has opposedfirst and second ends, a first fastener affixes the first end of theelongate band to the first temple, and a second fastener affixes thesecond end of the elongate band to the second temple. The first andsecond fasteners are each preferably a rivet. A first temple pad isformed in the first temple adjacent to the first bend, and a secondtemple pad is formed in the second temple adjacent to the second bend.

Sunglasses constructed and arranged in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention includes a lensed frame portion havingopposed first and second sides, a first temple extending rearwardly ofthe lensed frame portion from a first bend formed between the lensedframe portion and the first temple at the first side of the lensed frameportion, a second temple extending rearwardly of the lensed frameportion from a second bend formed between the lensed frame portion andthe second temple at the second side of the lensed frame portion, anelongate band having opposed ends, and a rivet affixing each end of theelongate band to one of the first and second temples. The lensed frameportion is coupled to the first and second temples to maintain the firstand second bends between the lensed frame portion and the first andsecond temples, respectively. In a particular embodiment, a crimp isformed between the lensed frame portion and the first and second templesat the first and second bends maintaining the first and second bendsbetween the lensed frame portion and the first and second temples,respectively. The lensed frame portion includes a frame portion havingopposing inner and outer faces, opposed first and second sides, a nosebridge formed between the opposed first and second sides, and a lensopening formed on either side of the nose bridge, and a lens-definingmember, made of a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmittingmaterial, having an outer face applied to the inner face of the frameportion and an opposing inner face, and a side in juxtaposition to eachof the first and second sides of the frame portion. The lens definingmember is riveted to the frame portion. A first temple pad is formed inthe first temple adjacent to the first bend, and a second temple padformed in the second temple adjacent to the second bend.

Consistent with the foregoing summary of preferred embodiments of theinvention, and the ensuing disclosure, which are to be taken together,the invention also contemplates associated apparatus and methodembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of sunglasses, constructed in accordancewith the principles of the instant invention, as they would appear wornby a user;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sunglasses of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the sunglasses of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the sunglasses of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5-11 show the step of fabricating the sunglasses of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of sunglasses,constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the sunglasses of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of yet another alternateembodiment of sunglasses, constructed in accordance with the principlesof the instant invention;

FIG. 15 is fragmentary, front schematic representation of the sunglassesof FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the sunglasses ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the sunglasses of FIG. 14with the lens-defining member shown as it would appear being insertedinto a pocket of the sunglasses;

FIG. 18 is a partially-exploded front perspective view of an alternateembodiment sunglasses, constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe instant invention;

FIG. 19 is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the sunglassesof FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an exploded rear perspective view of the sunglasses of FIG.18;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of an elongate member of thesunglasses of FIG. 18 shown as it would appear splayed out;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the elongate member of FIG. 21 shown as itwould appear splayed out;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, fragmented, exploded rear perspective view ofthe sunglasses of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 24 is an enlarged, fragmented, exploded top plan view of thesunglasses of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is firstdirected to FIG. 1, in which are seen sunglasses, embodying theprinciples of the instant invention and generally designated by thereference character 50. In FIG. 1, sunglasses 50 are shown as they wouldappear being worn upon the head of a user, generally designated by thereference character 51.

Referring to FIG. 4, sunglasses 50 includes an elongate member 60, alens-defining member 61, and a backing 62. Further included are a nosebridge pad 63, and temple pads 64A and 64B. Member 60, backing 62, nosebridge pad 63, and temple pads 64A and 64B are each made of a foammaterial, such as a polyurethane-type foam material, an ethyl vinylacetate foam material, or other similar foam material, of the same ordifferent porosity, which is lightweight, flexible, and without sharpedges and which is printable or embossable, such as for decoration andfor branding and information purposes.

Member 60 is a single, integral element formed by molding, or by cuttingit away from a single piece of material. Backing 62 is also a single,integral element formed by molding, or by cutting it away from a singlepiece of material. Still further, nose bridge pad 64 and temple pads 64Aand 64B are also single, integral elements each formed by molding, or bycutting away from a single piece of material.

Lens-defining member 61 is a single, integral piece of material made ofa thin plastic light-transmitting material of a sun-protectingcomposition or color, preferably a thermosetting material. Lens-definingmember 61 is of a type that blocks the sun's harmful UV light. Preferredmaterials are a high-performance Lexan™ film, or a polycarbonate film,both of which have the desirable properties of providing ultravioletprotection, being shatter and chemical resistant and lightweight andflexible. Where desired, other materials may be used, includingmaterials suitable for forming optical lenses or curvatures prescribedfor the individual wearer.

Member 60 includes a central portion 70 having opposing outer and innerfaces 71 and 72, a central nose bridge 73, a lens opening 74 on eachside of central nose bridge 73, and a temple 75 extending rearwardly ofinner face 72 from a bend 76 in member 60 on each side 77 of centralportion 70. Each temple 75 has an outer face 81 that is congruent withouter face 71 of central portion 70, and an inner face 82 that iscongruent with the inner face 72 of central portion 70. Lens openings 74are each substantially equal in size.

Lens-defining member 61 is superimposed on inner face 72 of centralportion 70, and is substantially coextensive relative to central portion70. More particular, lens-defining member 61 has opposing outer andinner faces 90 and 91, and opposing sides 92. Outer face 90 isadhesively affixed with a suitable adhesive to inner face 72 of centralportion 70, being superimposed thereon and overlying lens openings 74 inwhich sides 92 are juxtaposed to bends 76 and, moreover, to sides 77 ofcentral portion 70. Preferably, opposing parallel edges characterizesides 92, and bends 76 are formed thereabout these parallel edges atsides 77.

Backing 62 is superimposed on outer face 91 of lens-defining member, andis substantially coextensive relative to, and a substantial mirror imageof, central portion 70. Backing 62 is also substantially coextensiverelative to lens-defining member 61. More particularly, backing 62 hasopposing outer and inner faces 100 and 101, opposing sides 102, acentral nose bridge 103, and lens openings 104 on each side of centralnose bridge 103. Outer face 100 is adhesively affixed with a suitableadhesive to inner face 91 of lens-defining member 61, being superimposedthereon and also over central portion 70, in which lens-defining member61 is sandwiched between inner face 72 of central portion 70 and outerface 100 of backing 62 and lens openings 104 oppose and are aligned withlens openings 74, respectively, and central nose bridge 103 opposescentral nose bridge 73. Sides 102 are juxtaposed to sides 92,respectively, and to bends 76, respectively, and, moreover, to sides 77.Preferably, opposing parallel edges characterize sides 102, and bends 76are formed not only thereabout the parallel edges of sides 92, but alsothe parallel edges of sides 102. The attachment of lens-defining member61 to central portion 70, and backing 62 to lens-defining member 61,which forms a laminate lensed frame portion of sunglasses 50, is clearlyshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, forming an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. FIGS. 2 and 3 also show the relationship between bends 76 andsides 92 and 102 of lens-defining member 61 and backing 62,respectively.

Nose bridge pad 63 is adhesively affixed with a suitable adhesive toouter face 103 of backing 62 at nose bridge 103. Temple pads 64A and 64Bare positioned in the inside corners of sunglasses 50 formed at bends76, which bends 76 are formed by the juxtaposed inner faces of centralportion 70 and temples 75, and are affixed to outer face 101 of backing62 at sides 92, respectively, on either side of lens openings 104, andto inner faces 82 of temples 75 maintaining bends 76 in member 70, inaccordance with the principle of the invention. The attachment of nosebridge pad 63 and temple pads 64A and 64B is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Each temple 75 has a free end 110, which free ends 110 are capable ofbeing secured to one another forming a head band for securing sunglasses50 to a user's head as shown in FIG. 1. An engagement assembly isprovided for releasably securing free ends 110. Preferably, theengagement assembly includes a hook and loop fastener having an element111 thereof carried at one free end 110, and a complemental element 112thereof carried at the other free end 110. In this particular embodimentdesignated at 50, element 111 is a hook element of a hook and loopfastener, and complemental element 112 is a loop element of a hook andloop fastener. This arrangement can be reversed, if desired. Elements111 and 112 are secured in place with a suitable adhesive, in whichelement 111 is disposed on outer face 81 of the free end of one temple75, and element 112 is disposed on inner face 82 of the free end of theother temple 75, and this facilitates the convenient attachment ofelement 111 to complemental element 112. This arrangement can bereversed, if desired.

When sunglasses 50 are worn as in FIG. 1, outer face 101 of backing 62is presented toward the user and nose bridge and temple pads 63,64A,64Bare presented against user's 51 face, in which nose bridge pad 63presents against the bridge of user's 51 nose, temple pads 64A and 64Bpresent against user's 51 temples, and free ends 110 are releasablysecured forming a head band about user's 51 head which holds sunglasses50 in place. Nose bridge pad 63 and temple pads 64A,64B provide the userwith a comfortable fit, and function to keep the front of sunglassesaway from the user's face, which prevents lens-defining member 61 fromcontacting the user's face and becoming obscured with sweat and otherbodily oils, which prevents lens defining member 61 from fogging up, andwhich provides ventilation between the sunglasses and the user's face.Also, it is to be noted that the sides of temples 75 adjacent bends 76are widened for blocking sunlight from the sides, while lens-definingmember 61 blocks the sun's harmful UV light protecting the user's eye'sfrom the sun.

Consistent with the foregoing discussion of sunglasses, according to theinvention there is provided a method of fabricating sunglasses 50suitable for infants and children including 1) providing elongateintegral member 60, elongate integral member 60 including centralportion 70 (FIG. 5) having opposing outer and inner faces 71 and 72,central nose bridge 73, and a lens opening 74 on each side of centralnose bridge 73; 2) providing lens-defining member 61 (FIG. 6), made of aflexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, havingopposing outer and inner faces 90 and 91, opposing sides 92, and that issubstantially coextensive relative to central portion 70; 3) providingelongate integral backing 62 (FIG. 8) that is substantially coextensiverelative to, and a substantial mirror image of, central portion 70,backing 62 having opposing outer and inner faces 100 and 101, opposingsides 102, central nose bridge 103, and a lens opening 104 on each sideof central nose bridge 103; 4) affixing outer face 90 of lens-definingmember 61 to inner face 72 of central portion 70 (FIG. 7), and affixingouter face 100 of backing 62 to inner face 91 of lens-defining member 61(FIG. 9), wherein sides 102 of lens-defining member 61 are juxtaposedrelative to sides 102 of backing 62, respectively, in accordance withthe principle of the invention and forming an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention. In accordance with the invention, a preferred methodfurther includes 5) bending elongate integral member 60 rearwardly ofinner face 72 at the juxtaposed sides 92 and 102 of lens-defining member61 and backing 62, respectively, forming bends 76 (FIG. 9) and temples75 in elongate integral member 60; 6) temples 75 each having outer face81 that is congruent to outer face 71 of central portion 70 and innerface 82 that is congruent with inner face 72 of central portion 70; 7)providing nose bridge and temple pads 63,64A,64B (FIG. 10); 8) affixingnose bridge pad 63 to inner face 101 of backing 62 at nose bridge 103thereof; and 9) affixing a temple pad 64A,64B to inner face 101 ofbacking 62 at each side 102 thereof and to inner face 82 of each oftemples 75 maintaining bends 76 in elongate integral member 60. Temples75 each have a free end 110, and the method further includes providingan engagement assembly for releasably retaining the free end 110 of oneof temples 75 to the free end 110 of the other of temples 75 to form ahead band for securing sunglasses 50 to a user's head. As previouslydisclosed, the engagement assembly includes a hook and loop fastenerincluding element 111 thereof carried at free end 110 of one of temples75 and complemental element 112 thereof carried at free end 110 of theother of temples 75. Referring to FIG. 11, the method includes providingelement 111 and complemental element 112, and adhesively affixingelement 111 to the free end 110 of one temple 75, and adhesivelyaffixing complemental element 112 to the free end 110 of the othertemple 75, which thus completes the fabrication of sunglasses 50 aspresented in FIGS. 1-3.

A suitable applied adhesive designated at 120 is used to affix outerface 90 of lens-defining member 61 to inner face 72 of central portion70 (FIG. 5), and to affix outer face 100 of backing 62 to inner face 91of lens-defining member 61 (FIG. 7). Adhesive 120 is applied withbrushing, spreading, spraying, etc. In FIG. 5, adhesive 120 is appliedto inner face 72 of central portion 70. In FIG. 7, adhesive 120 isapplied to portions of inner face 91 of lens-defining member 61. In FIG.11, adhesive 120 is applied to outer face 81 of the free end 110 of onetemple 75 for adhesively affixing element 111, and to inner face 82 ofthe free end 110 of the other temple 75 for adhesively affixing element112.

The step of affixing nose bridge pad 63 to inner face 101 of backing 62at nose bridge 103 includes adhesively affixing a surface of nose bridgepad 63 to inner face 101 of backing 62 at nose bridge 103 with asuitable applied adhesive. In FIG. 9, adhesive 120 is applied to innerface 101 of backing 62 at nose bridge 103, which is used to adhesivelyaffix nose bridge pad 63. The step of affixing a temple pad 64A,64B toinner face 101 of backing 62 at each side 102 thereof further includesadhesively affixing a surface of temple pad 64A,64B to inner face 101 ofbacking 62 at each side thereof. Furthermore, the step of affixing atemple pad 64A,64B to inner face 82 of each of temples 75 furtherincludes adhesively affixing a surface of temple pad 64A,64B to innerface 82 of each of temples 75. In FIG. 9, adhesive 120 is applied toinner face 101 of backing 62 at each side 102 thereof, and to inner face82 of each of temples 75, which is used to adhesively affix the surfacesof temple pads 74A,74B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12 and 13, in which there is seen analternate embodiment of sunglasses designated generally at 130,embodying the principles of the instant invention. Save one difference,sunglasses 130 are fashioned of the same materials and are identical tosunglasses 50 and include the same elements including elongate member60, lens-defining member 61, backing 62, nose bridge pad 63, and templepads 64A and 64B, and the foregoing discussion of sunglasses 50 and theassociated fabrication method applies to sunglasses 130, save for theone intimated difference. Unlike sunglasses 50, nose bridge pad 63 andtemple pads 64A,64B of sunglasses 130 are integrally formed with backing62, in which backing consists of an integral or single unit or pieceformed with nose bridge pad 63 and temple pads 64A,64B. Other than thisone difference, the structure of sunglasses 130 and its fabricationmethod are the same in all respects to the structure of sunglasses 50and its fabrication method. Because nose bridge pad 63 and temple pads64A,64B are integral with backing 62, such as through molding or bycutting backing 62 from a single piece of material, nose bridge pad 63and temple pads 64A,64B are “integrally affixed,” meaning that they areaffixed to backing 62 by way of an integral affixation or formation. So,although nose bridge pad 63 and temple pads 64A,64B of sunglasses 50 areadhesively affixed to backing 62, nose bridge pad 63 and temple pads64A,64B are integrally affixed to backing 62.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, there is seen yet another alternate embodimentof sunglasses designated generally at 140, embodying the principles ofthe instant invention. Save two differences, sunglasses 140 arefashioned of the same materials and are identical to sunglasses 130 andinclude the same elements including elongate member 60, lens-definingmember 61, and backing 62 including nose bridge pad 63, and temple pads64A and 64B, and it is to be understood that the foregoing discussion ofsunglasses 130 applies to sunglasses 130, save for the two intimateddifferences. Unlike sunglasses 130, member 60 and backing 62, includingnose bridge pad 63 and temple pads 64A and 64B, are integrally formed asa single unit or frame, such as through molding or cutting from a singlepiece of material. A pocket 141 is formed between central portion 70 andbacking 62, which accepts lens-defining member 61. Pocket 141 can beformed during a molding process, or by cutting, such as with a laser,knife, or other cutting or milling device. A suitable adhesive is usedto adhesively affix lens-defining member 61 in pocket 141. FIG. 15 is afragmentary, front schematic representation of the frame of FIG. 14, inwhich the boundary of pocket 141 is denoted in dotted outline.

Lens openings 74 (not shown) through central portion 70 and lensopenings 104 (not shown) through backing 62 can be formed beforelens-defining member 61 is positioned in pocket 141, or after. On thesubject of the latter, and with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, each lensopening can be formed by forming a parametric or continuous perforateline 145 defining a boundary of a lens opening and an internal section146 of the frame that can be torn away or separated from the perforateline 145 to form the lens opening.

In sum, disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of sunglasses whichare specifically adapted to be worn by infants and children, which areeasy to make, which are comfortable to wear, which have no sharp edges,which are disposable, and which are inexpensive. Preferably, thelens-defining member of the various embodiments of the invention hasapproximately a 98 Eye Protection Factor (EPF) according to theprotective rating system for eyewear disclosed in U.S. Letters Pat. No.5,949,535, which is incorporated by referenced herein. As a matter ofexample, a removable, adhesive label 150 is applied to lens-definingmember 61 in FIG. 2 which references an approximate 98 EPF. Providinglens-defining member with an EPF of approximately 98 ensures thatsunglasses constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle ofthe invention will provide a user with exemplary protection from thesun's harmful UV light. Lens-defining member 61 can be provided with anypredetermined EPF as may be desired.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18-24 illustrating yet a furtherembodiment of sunglasses, embodying the principles of the instantinvention and generally designated by the reference character 200.Referencing FIGS. 18-20, sunglasses 200 includes an elongate member 201,a lens-defining member 202, and an elongate band 203. Member 201 andband 203 are each made of a foam material, such as a polyurethane-typefoam material, an ethyl vinyl acetate foam material, or other similarfoam material, of the same or different porosity, which is lightweight,flexible, and without sharp edges and which is printable or embossable,such as for decoration and for branding and information purposes.

Member 201, which is also illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, is a single,integral element formed by molding, or by cutting it away and forming itfrom a single piece of material. Lens-defining member 202 is a single,integral piece of material made of a thin plastic light-transmittingmaterial of a sun-protecting composition or color, preferably athermosetting material. Lens-defining member 202 is of a type thatblocks the sun's harmful UV light. Preferred materials are ahigh-performance Lexan™ film, or a polycarbonate film, both of whichhave the desirable properties of providing ultraviolet protection, beingshatter and chemical resistant and lightweight and flexible. Wheredesired, other materials may be used, including materials suitable forforming optical lenses or curvatures prescribed for the individualwearer.

Referencing in relevant part FIGS. 18-22, member 201 includes a centralportion 210 having opposing outer and inner faces 211 and 212, a centralnose bridge 213, a lens opening 214 on each side of central nose bridge213, and, as best illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, a temple 215 extendingrearwardly of inner face 212 from a bend 216 in member 201 on each side217 of central portion 210. Each temple 215 has an outer face 218 thatis congruent with outer face 211 of central portion 210, and an innerface 219 that is congruent with the inner face 212 of central portion210. Lens openings 214 are each substantially equal in size. Centralportion 210 forms a frame portion of sunglasses 200.

Lens-defining member 202 is superimposed on, or otherwise applied to,inner face 212 of central portion 210, and is substantially coextensiverelative to central portion 210 being superimposed thereon and overlyinglens openings 214 in which sides 222 are juxtaposed to sides 217 ofcentral portion 210. Lens-defining member 61 has an outer face 220denoted in FIG. 19 and an opposing inner face 221 denoted in FIGS. 18and 20, and opposed sides 222 denoted in FIGS. 18 and 20. ReferencingFIGS. 18, 20, and 21, a recess 224 is formed in inner face 212 ofcentral portion 210 that accepts lens-defining member 201 as illustratedin FIG. 18. Outer face 90 is applied to recess 224 formed in inner face212 of central portion 210 and is secured or otherwise affixed in placeto central portion 210 with fasteners 225 denoted in FIGS. 18-20. In thepresent embodiment, fasteners 225 are applied to sides 222,respectively, of lens-defining member 202 securing sides 222 oflens-defining member 202 to sides 217, respectively, of central portion210.

Referencing in relevant part FIGS. 20, 23, and 24, in the preferredembodiment set forth herein, fasteners 225 are rivets, which arereceived by corresponding openings 216 (FIG. 20) formed in sides 222 and217, respectively, of lens-defining member 201 and central portion 210thereby securing lens-defining member 201 to central portion 210. Ifdesired, a rivet can be applied between lens-defining member 201 andnose bridge 213. Rivets can be applied between lens-defining member 201and central portion 210 at any selected locations suitable to securelens-defining member 201 to central portion 210. FIGS. 18 and 19 showsunglasses 200 illustrated with lens-defining member 201 secured tocentral portion 210 with fasteners 225 forming a lensed frame portion ofsunglasses 200. In other words, the combination of lens-defining member201 secured to central portion 210 forms a lensed frame member ofsunglasses 200.

As previously mentioned, temples 215 extending rearwardly of inner face212 from bends 216, respectively, in member 201 on each side 217 ofcentral portion 210. Bends 216 are formed between central portion 210and temples 215 at sides 217 of central portion 210. Central portion 210is coupled to temples 215 to maintain bends 216 between central portion210 and temples 216, in accordance with the principle of the invention.In accordance with the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS.18-20, 23, and 24, a crimp 230 is formed in member 201 between centralportion 210 and temples 215 at bends 216 that maintain bends 216 betweencentral portion 210 and temples 215, respectively, in accordance withthe principle of the invention. FIGS. 23 and 24 are enlarged fragmentedviews of sunglasses 200 illustrating a crimp 230 formed in elongatemember 201 between central portion 210 and a temple 215 maintaining bend216 formed in elongate member 201 between central portion 210 and temple215.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18-22, each temple 215 has a free end 240.Referencing FIGS. 18-20, band 203 is elongate and has opposed ends 250.Fastener 251 secure ends 250 of band 203 to temples 215, respectively,forming a head band to secure sunglasses 200 to a user's head, inaccordance with the principle of the invention. In the presentembodiment, fasteners 251 are applied between ends 250 of band 203 andtemples 215, respectively, securing ends 250 of band 203 to temples 215,respectively, to form the head band. In the preferred embodiment setforth herein, fasteners 251 are rivets, which are received bycorresponding openings 255 formed in ends 250 of band 203 and temples215 thereby securing lens-defining member 201 to central portion 210. Inthe present embodiment, temples 215 each incorporate two spaced-apartopenings 255 formed adjacent to the corresponding end 250 definingdifferent engagement points for a corresponding end 250 of band 203allowing a user to adjust the size of the formed head band to allowsunglasses 200 to be adjusted as needed to fit heads of differing sizes,in accordance with the principle of the invention. Any number ofopenings 255 can be formed in temples 215 to provide differentengagement points for ends 250 of band 203 as may be desired.

When sunglasses 200 are worn, inner face 212 of sunglasses 200 ispresented toward the user and nose bridge 213 and temples 215 arepresented against the user's face, in which nose bridge 213 presentsagainst the bridge of the user's nose, and temples 215 present along andagainst the user's temples, and ends 250 of band 203 are secured orotherwise affixed to temples 215 with fasteners 251 forming a head bandabout the user's head holding sunglasses 200 in place. To provideenhanced comfort, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-22 a temple pad 260 isformed in inner face 219 of each temple 215 adjacent to each bend 216,which are received against the user's temples when sunglasses 200 areworn. As referenced in FIGS. 18 and 20, a series of notches 270 areformed in inner face 212 of central portion 210 of sunglasses 200allowing air to circulate between the user's face and lens-definingmember 202 thereby preventing lens-defining member 202 from fogging overduring use and for providing the user with enhanced comfort by providingventilation between the user's face and sunglasses 200.

The present invention is described above with reference to preferredembodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges and modifications may be made in the described embodimentswithout departing from the nature and scope of the present invention.Various further changes and modifications to the embodiments hereinchosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilledin the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do notdepart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to beincluded within the scope thereof.

1. A frame for a lens-defining member, the frame comprising: anelongate, integral member constructed of a foam material, and whichforms a frame portion having opposing inner and outer faces, opposedfirst and second sides, a nose bridge formed between the opposed firstand second sides, and a lens opening formed on either side of the nosebridge, and first and second temples formed at the first and secondsides, respectively, of the frame portion; the first temple extendsrearwardly of the frame portion from a first bend formed between theframe portion and the first temple at the first side of the frameportion; the second temple extends rearwardly of the frame portion froma second bend formed between the frame portion and the second temple atthe second side of the frame portion; and an area of reduced dimensionformed in the elongate integral member between the frame portion and thefirst and second temples at the first and second bends maintaining thefirst and second bends between the frame portion and the first andsecond temples, respectively.
 2. A frame for a lens-defining memberaccording to claim 1, wherein the area of reduced dimension formed inthe elongate integral member between the frame portion and the first andsecond temples comprises a crimp formed in the elongate integral memberbetween the frame portion and the first and second temples at the firstand second bends.
 3. A frame for a lens-defining member according toclaim 1, further comprising: an elongate band having opposed first andsecond ends; and a first fastener affixing the first end of the elongateband to the first temple; and a second fastener affixing the second endof the elongate band to the second temple.
 4. A frame for alens-defining member according to claim 3, wherein the first and secondfasteners each comprise a rivet.
 5. A frame for a lens-defining memberaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a first temple pad formed inthe first temple adjacent to the first bend; and a second temple padformed in the second temple adjacent to the second bend.